US20030001291A1 - Apparatus and method for preventing growth of marine organisms - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for preventing growth of marine organisms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030001291A1 US20030001291A1 US09/897,161 US89716101A US2003001291A1 US 20030001291 A1 US20030001291 A1 US 20030001291A1 US 89716101 A US89716101 A US 89716101A US 2003001291 A1 US2003001291 A1 US 2003001291A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- tubular framework
- framework
- underwater
- underwater structure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims 2
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 abstract description 12
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000005276 aerator Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000238586 Cirripedia Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008092 positive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B59/00—Hull protection specially adapted for vessels; Cleaning devices specially adapted for vessels
- B63B59/04—Preventing hull fouling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/231—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids by bubbling
- B01F23/23105—Arrangement or manipulation of the gas bubbling devices
- B01F23/2312—Diffusers
- B01F23/23123—Diffusers consisting of rigid porous or perforated material
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
- E02B1/00—Equipment or apparatus for, or methods of, general hydraulic engineering, e.g. protection of constructions against ice-strains
- E02B1/003—Mechanically induced gas or liquid streams in seas, lakes or water-courses for forming weirs or breakwaters; making or keeping water surfaces free from ice, aerating or circulating water, e.g. screens of air-bubbles against sludge formation or salt water entry, pump-assisted water circulation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/231—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids by bubbling
- B01F23/23105—Arrangement or manipulation of the gas bubbling devices
- B01F23/2312—Diffusers
- B01F23/23123—Diffusers consisting of rigid porous or perforated material
- B01F23/231231—Diffusers consisting of rigid porous or perforated material the outlets being in the form of perforations
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/231—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids by bubbling
- B01F23/23105—Arrangement or manipulation of the gas bubbling devices
- B01F23/2312—Diffusers
- B01F23/23126—Diffusers characterised by the shape of the diffuser element
- B01F23/231265—Diffusers characterised by the shape of the diffuser element being tubes, tubular elements, cylindrical elements or set of tubes
Abstract
The present invention discloses a system for preventing the growth of marine organisms on objects which are continually submerged in water, such as a boat hull or piling. The present invention operates by having a source of air deliver air through a conduit to an underwater aeration device placed in proximity to the object which is desired to be free of the marine organisms. The present invention comprises an underwater aeration framework having a plurality of air vents therein which supply air bubbles so as to constantly keep the water in motion around the boat hull, piling or other underwater structure, thereby preventing the growth of marine flora and fauna.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to aeration devices and, more particularly is concerned with an aeration system for preventing the growth of marine organisms on underwater structures.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- It is known in the art that marine organisms will not grow on underwater structures if the water around the structure is in motion. A patent search has found no prior art useful for this purpose. However, the search did reveal an aeration device as described below. However, this prior art device does not disclose the unique features of the present invention.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,399, dated Jun. 4, 1974, Melreit disclosed a device for aerating water in a bathtub by a flow of heated air supplied to the device from a remote source. The device comprises a generally oval flat bottom base with a top section permanently attached thereto. The top section is formed with an inverted outer U-shaped channel extending around the periphery of the top section and forming an air passage with the base. Another similarly shaped central channel extends from one end of the top section longitudinally along the top section forming another air passage. The channels are supplied with the heated air under pressure through a connected base, and the air then flows into the water through a plurality of spaced holes formed in the channels. An opening is formed in the outer channel to provide access into both outer and central channels for cleaning. A slip collar is mounted on the supply air hose coupling to permit regulation of the amount of water aeration. A seat is formed integrally on the top section to provide a conformable area upon which the bather may sit when using the device.
- While this aeration system may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described.
- The present invention discloses a system for preventing the growth of marine organisms on objects which are continually submerged in water, such as a boat hull or piling. The present invention operates by having a source of air deliver air through a conduit to an underwater aeration device placed in proximity to the object which is desired to be free of the marine organisms. The present invention comprises an underwater aeration framework having a plurality of air vents therein which supply air bubbles so as to constantly keep the water in motion around the boat hull, piling or other underwater structure, thereby preventing the growth of marine flora and fauna.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an underwater aeration device to be placed in proximity to underwater structures such as boat hulls, pilings and oilrig support members. A further object of the present invention is to prevent the growth of marine growth which might otherwise become attached to the underwater structure.
- The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
- The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the present invention in operative connection.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the present invention in operative connection.
- FIG. 5 is an elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention in operative connection.
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention in operative connection.
- With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.
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- In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the present invention wherein an aeration for the prevention of growth of marine organisms is disclosed.
- Turning to FIG. 1, therein is shown a plan view of one embodiment of the
present invention 10. Shown therein is aframework 12 made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) tubing or the like whichframework 12 is interconnected and is designed to be placed on the bottom of a lake, river or ocean proximate to an underwater structure. Theframework 12 has a plurality ofair holes 14 disposed therein being spaced apart throughout theframework 12 having an air supply means 16 which is electrically or gasoline powered. Theair supply 16 is connected to theframework 12 through a conduit means 18 which could be flexible tubing of various types, whichconduit 18 has means for aquick disconnect coupling 20 which connects into the air supply along with means forconnection 22 for connecting the conduit to theframework 12. Also shown is anelectrical cord 24 which is used to provide electricity to the electrical air supply means 16. Additionally, therein is shown means for weighting 26 the framework down to the ocean or water bed which in this case are a plurality ofweights 26 placed about theframework 12 so as to anchor it to the bottom of the water basin. The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is designed for use inside a boat slip where full coverage of a boat hull or the like would be needed and can be placed under barges or floating oil rigs and is useful for water bodies having high current velocities. - Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a plan view of one embodiment of the
present invention 10. Shown therein is an embodiment of the present invention which is designed to be placed inside a single boat slip having the main longitudinal frame member running underneath the boat hull parallel to the keel of the hull of the vessel. Shown therein is theframework 12 having a plurality of air holes oraerators 14 therein being weighted down withweights 26 in order to keep the present invention onto the bottom of the body of water. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown. - Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is the rear view of a
vessel 28 floating in a body ofwater 30 having thepresent invention 10 disposed proximately underneath the hull of the vessel so that thepresent invention 10 aerates the water in which thevessel 28 is situated. Shown therein is theframework 12 of thepresent invention 10 having a plurality ofweights 26 which anchor theframework 12 to thebed 32 of the water body so that a stream of air bubbles 34 are continuously supplied to thehull area 36 of thevessel 28. Also shown is aconduit 18 which connects to theframework 12 and transmits air being supplied by an air source as previously disclosed. - Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a side elevation view of a boat hull floating in a body of
water 30 having thepresent invention 10 disposed proximately underneath the hull of the vessel so that thepresent invention 10 aerates the water in which thevessel 28 is situated. Shown therein is theframework 12 of thepresent invention 10 having a plurality ofweights 26 which anchor theframework 12 to thebed 32 of the water body so that a stream of air bubbles 34 are continuously supplied to thehull area 36 of thevessel 28. Also shown is aconduit 18 which connects to theframework 12 and transmits air being supplied by an air source. - Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of the
present invention 10 in operative connection with theunderwater structure 38 being a piling or leg member of an oil rig, or the like. FIG. 6 shows a plan view taken from FIG. 5 of thepresent invention 10 in operative connection with thestructure 38. Shown in FIG. 5 are thepresent invention 10 disposed about the piling so that theframework 12 surrounds thestructure 38 and is placed on thebed 32 of the water body having a plurality of aerators or air holes disposed and spaced about theframework 12 so that a plurality of air bubbles 34 are emitted from theframework 12 to rise upwardly proximate to the structure. Also shown isair supply 16,conduit 18 andelectrical cord 20. Also shown is apier 40 or other framework associated with astructure 38. FIG. 6 shows thepresent invention 10 havingframework 12 surrounding theunderwater structure 38 having multiple aerators along withconduit 18. - It is known in the art that underwater marine organisms will not grow on structures which are located in flowing or moving water. The aeration effect achieved by the present invention creates a water environment which is in constant movement thereby providing constant movement about the underwater structures being a piling or boat hull or the like which prevents marine organisms from growing on the underwater structure or boat hull. The present invention will also have a positive effect on the environment by reducing the use of toxic boat hull paints which are now in wide use and which are now used to prevent the growth of underwater marine organisms such as barnacles or the like. These paints are currently used on boat hulls as well as other underwater structures. Wide spread use of the present invention might include, for example, an entire boat marina having all boat slips connected up to a single large capacity air supply with a separate air valve being used to supply air to each boat slip whereby the boat user can simply turn his individual boat slip air supply off when the boat is not in its slip. Many other adaptations of the present invention will be accomplished by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (11)
1. A method for preventing the growth of underwater marine organisms on underwater structures, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a tubular framework having a plurality of air outlets therein;
b) supplying air to the tubular framework so that air is emitted from the plurality of air outlets; and,
c) placing the tubular framework in spatial relationship to an underwater structure effective for air bubbles from the air outlets to agitate the water column contiguous to the underwater structure so that growth of marine organisms is substantially prevented.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of shaping the tubular framework so that the framework provides air bubbles substantially about the entire surface of the underwater structure.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of placing the tubular framework substantially on the bed of the water body in which the underwater structure exists.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising the steps of providing a continuous mechanical air supply and connecting the mechanical air supply to the tubular framework.
5. An apparatus for preventing the growth of underwater marine organisms on underwater structures, comprising:
a) a tubular framework, said framework having a plurality of spaced about air outlets therein so that air bubbles can be supplied about the underwater structure;
b) means for an air supply whereby air is supplied to the air outlets of the tubular framework so that air bubbles are emitted from the air outlets;
c) means for connecting said means for an air supply to said tubular framework; and,
d) means for anchoring said tubular framework proximate to the underwater structure whereby air bubbles from the air outlets agitate the water column contiguous to the underwater structure so that growth of marine organisms is substantially prevented.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said tubular framework is complementarily shaped as the underwater structure so that air bubbles agitate substantially the entire surface of the underwater structure.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said means for an air supply further comprises a mechanical air pump.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said means for connecting said means for an air supply to said tubular framework further comprises a conduit.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein said means for anchoring said tubular framework further comprises weights spaced about and disposed upon said tubular framework.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said tubular framework further comprises polyvinyl chloride pipe.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said tubular framework further comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipe.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/897,161 US20030001291A1 (en) | 2001-07-02 | 2001-07-02 | Apparatus and method for preventing growth of marine organisms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/897,161 US20030001291A1 (en) | 2001-07-02 | 2001-07-02 | Apparatus and method for preventing growth of marine organisms |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030001291A1 true US20030001291A1 (en) | 2003-01-02 |
Family
ID=25407426
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/897,161 Abandoned US20030001291A1 (en) | 2001-07-02 | 2001-07-02 | Apparatus and method for preventing growth of marine organisms |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20030001291A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050023382A1 (en) * | 2003-07-28 | 2005-02-03 | Toltz, Kin, Duvall, Anderson And Associates, Incorporated | Polygon shaped fluid diffuser |
WO2007076329A3 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-09-07 | Conocophillips Co | Active anti-fouling systems and processes for marine vessels |
US20130294837A1 (en) * | 2012-05-02 | 2013-11-07 | Bubbleology Research International LLC | Area bubble plume oil barriers |
US8870168B1 (en) | 2012-10-05 | 2014-10-28 | Thomas R. McGuffin | Boat dock with aeration system |
US20140319037A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2014-10-30 | Kolon Industries, Inc. | Aeration unit and filtering apparatus comprising the same |
US20170015394A1 (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2017-01-19 | Silverstream Technologies B.V. | Use of an air lubrication system for reducing marine growth on a vessel |
CN111717350A (en) * | 2020-06-03 | 2020-09-29 | 左全清 | Underwater monitoring equipment protection device |
WO2021250270A1 (en) * | 2020-06-12 | 2021-12-16 | Divingpanda | Device for moving a floating or submerged element |
EP3790794A4 (en) * | 2018-05-11 | 2022-03-23 | Innovator Energy, LLC | Fluid displacement systems |
US11614066B2 (en) | 2019-05-11 | 2023-03-28 | Innovator Energy, LLC | Fluid displacement energy storage |
US11655793B2 (en) | 2020-07-17 | 2023-05-23 | Innovator Energy, LLC | Power generation using storage reservoirs at different elevations |
US11845678B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2023-12-19 | Innovatory Energy LLC | Brine power |
-
2001
- 2001-07-02 US US09/897,161 patent/US20030001291A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7284747B2 (en) * | 2003-07-28 | 2007-10-23 | Toltz, King, Duvall, Anderson And Associates, Incorporated | Polygon shaped fluid diffuser |
US20050023382A1 (en) * | 2003-07-28 | 2005-02-03 | Toltz, Kin, Duvall, Anderson And Associates, Incorporated | Polygon shaped fluid diffuser |
WO2007076329A3 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-09-07 | Conocophillips Co | Active anti-fouling systems and processes for marine vessels |
US9795926B2 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2017-10-24 | Kolon Industries, Inc. | Aeration unit and filtering apparatus comprising the same |
US20140319037A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2014-10-30 | Kolon Industries, Inc. | Aeration unit and filtering apparatus comprising the same |
US20130294837A1 (en) * | 2012-05-02 | 2013-11-07 | Bubbleology Research International LLC | Area bubble plume oil barriers |
US9068314B2 (en) * | 2012-05-02 | 2015-06-30 | Bubbleology Research International LLC | Area bubble plume oil barriers |
US8870168B1 (en) | 2012-10-05 | 2014-10-28 | Thomas R. McGuffin | Boat dock with aeration system |
US20170015394A1 (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2017-01-19 | Silverstream Technologies B.V. | Use of an air lubrication system for reducing marine growth on a vessel |
US10029770B2 (en) * | 2014-03-05 | 2018-07-24 | Silverstream Technologies B.V. | Use of an air lubrication system for reducing marine growth on a vessel |
EP3790794A4 (en) * | 2018-05-11 | 2022-03-23 | Innovator Energy, LLC | Fluid displacement systems |
US11845678B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2023-12-19 | Innovatory Energy LLC | Brine power |
US11614066B2 (en) | 2019-05-11 | 2023-03-28 | Innovator Energy, LLC | Fluid displacement energy storage |
CN111717350A (en) * | 2020-06-03 | 2020-09-29 | 左全清 | Underwater monitoring equipment protection device |
WO2021250270A1 (en) * | 2020-06-12 | 2021-12-16 | Divingpanda | Device for moving a floating or submerged element |
FR3111363A1 (en) * | 2020-06-12 | 2021-12-17 | Divingpanda | Device for moving a floating or submerged element |
US11655793B2 (en) | 2020-07-17 | 2023-05-23 | Innovator Energy, LLC | Power generation using storage reservoirs at different elevations |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |